Method for the development and quality control of flow-optimized shaped charges

Abstract

An improved test setup facility, referred to as a “Quick Development Cell” (QDC), which allows for rapid turnaround testing with valuable feedback to a design engineer. Because the QDC allows for quick and efficient testing at a sufficient frequency, QDC tests are compatible with production quality control. In addition to fostering improvement of the API's Section 2 type tests using stressed natural rock for benchmark experiments, the QDC tests allow for progress to be made towards the development of a flow-optimized shape charge and superior well performance.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 032,130 filed Feb. 28, 2008, the technical disclosures of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]The present invention relates to an improved facility for the testing, designing, and manufacturing of shaped charges optimized for flow performance in natural rock, as opposed to current standardized concrete targets. Specifically, the facility is capable of providing rapid, useful feedback from stressed natural rock targets, both during the charge design process and during manufacture in response to changing conditions and variations in raw materials.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]Perforating systems utilizing shaped explosive charges have become the dominant method for connecting a cased-and-cemented completion to the desired reservoir interval. Due to the location of oil and gas within subterranean formati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]Optimization for a stressed rock target has traditionally been prohibitively slow and costly due to the Section 2 type tests currently required by the American Petroleum Institute, which involve the use of stressed rock, specifically Berea sandstone, as a target. The improved test setup facility of the present invention, referred to herein as a “Quick Development Cell” (QDC), allows for rapid turnaround testing such that quick and efficient progress can be made towards the development of an optimized shape charge and favorable perforation geometry to maximize flow performance in natural rock.

[0017]The QDC offers use of an optimum target size for ease of handling and cost minimization, use of minimal consumables per test, rapid loading and unloading of the target, retention of standard charge configuration used for cement targets, the ability to apply representative effective stress to the target, and the ability for operation the QDC by a single technician.

Problems solved by technology

Optimization for a stressed rock target has traditionally been prohibitively slow and costly due to the Section 2 type tests currently required by the American Petroleum Institute, which involve the use of stressed rock, specifically Berea sandstone, as a target.

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